Gabrielle Union-Wade Reveals She Gained 27 Pounds “Overnight” During Perimenopause
Gabrielle Union-Wade opened up to Drew Barrymore recently about the challenges of dealing with perimenopause — which caused her to gain 27 pounds “overnight.”
During an episode of the actress and host’s homonymous daytime television show, Union-Wade described her weight gain as “swift and startling.”
“It felt like it happened overnight,” she said, as Barrymore gave her own account of “bloating.”
“When I am stressed, the cortisol in my belly gets so bad that I can look anywhere from six to eight months pregnant,” she expressed while also adding that she had to make dietary changes.
Union-Wade also shared that the weight gain made her seek medical advice, to which she was suggested to let go of gluten, dairy, alcohol, and caffeine. “Three out of four, I feel like I could try,” she spoke of her willingness to adapt to a new diet.
OB-GYN Dr. Kameelah Phillips also appeared on the show, where she gave the audience insight that weight gain of up to 30 pounds “is common” during menopause and perimenopause.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, “Perimenopause is the transitional time around menopause, which is when a woman’s periods stop. It adds that, “This time can last two to 10 years, to which your body releases eggs less regularly, produces less estrogen and other hormones, becomes less fertile, and has shorter and more irregular menstrual cycles.”
Phillips also shared that weight gain during perimenopause can occur due to “stress.” It is also attributed to “aging, lifestyle, and genetics.”
The Bring It On actress turned 51 on Oct. 29 and celebrated in the U.K. at the Longleat House. The mother-of-one was surrounded by close friends and family as they danced the night away in a montage of videos and photos on Instagram.
In one clip, Union-Wade wore a black netted garment as she showed her friends dropping it low to “Rich Baby Daddy” by Drake featuring Sexyy Red. In another slide, it appeared that Union-Wade and her guests stayed overnight as she sported pajamas while they sang “What’s Love Got To Do With It” by Tina Turner and “All My Life” by KC and JoJo.
See below.
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